Nothing is more disturbing than encountering a bug in a new game that looks very promising. The error code Van 6 in Riot Game’s Valorant is a case in point.

The number of reported cases of this error seems to be increasing with each passing day. Players who are unfortunate enough to encounter it are unable to start a gaming session. We have, therefore, put this guide together to help you overcome this disheartening setback.

What Is the Valorant Error Code Van 6?

Valorant is a first-person shooter video game for Microsoft Windows. This free-to-play multiplayer tactical game was developed and published by Riot Games. It enjoys a growing popularity in the gaming community, attracting many positive reviews worldwide since its official release on the 2nd of June, 2020.

However, despite months of beta testing and continuous improvement, the game still has a couple of rough edges, like the Error Code Van 6. The error is sometimes caused by server issues, although Riot Games takes server maintenance seriously.

It may seem like the problem is out of the gamers’ hands. However, there may be other culprits behind the Van 6 error. And there is a lot that Windows users can do to fix it. We will share some of these fixes in this guide. Soon enough, you will find yourself having an exciting adventure in the realms of Valorant.

How to Fix the Error 6 in Valorant on Windows 10

Below are easy and efficient solutions to the Van 6 error code.

Here is how to get rid of the Valorant error code 6:

  1. Configure Windows Firewall to allow Valorant
  2. Change the Vanguard service’s startup type to Automatic
  3. Set priority for Valorant to Normal
  4. Switch to Google’s DNS server
  5. Update your graphics device driver
  6. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

Before you proceed to the main fixes, be sure to perform the preliminary solutions described in Fix 1 first.

Fix 1: Preliminary Solutions

Here are some basic things you should try:

  • Close the Valorant app and relaunch it. Do so two or three times, and see if the error persists.
  • Restart your computer. You will be surprised how often that helps in dealing with gaming issues.
  • Refresh your internet connection.
  • End Riot Vanguard in the Task Manager: Vanguard is Riot Game’s security software, and it is an anti-cheat system. The client runs when Valorant is active to ensure the integrity of players’ games. Problematic interactions with the Vanguard driver or the Vanguard client on your computer can cause your game not to perform as expected. Ending Vanguard in the Task Manager and relaunching your game might help. Follow the steps below to get it done:
  • Click on the Vanguard icon in the system tray and click Exit Vanguard. Doing so stops the service from running in the background.
  • Now, to open the Task Manager, hold the Windows key on your keyboard and press R to call up the Run dialog. Then type ‘Taskmgr’ into the text box and click the OK button or press Enter on your keyboard.
  • Look for Riot Vanguard under the Processes tab. Click on it and click the ‘End Task’ button.
  • Restart your computer and relaunch Valorant.

If the error persists after you have performed the basic fixes, then it is time to dig deeper.

Fix 2: Configure Windows Firewall to Allow Valorant

The Van 6 error code has to do with a network or internet connection issue. So you need to ensure that your computer’s firewall is not barring the game. Users have found that Windows Firewall and third-party antivirus programs flag some of Valorant’s crucial game files as potentially dangerous.

Follow these steps to add Valorant as an exception in the Windows Defender Firewall:

  1. Go to the location where the game is installed on your computer. To do this, click the Windows button to enter the Start menu. Type ‘Valorant’ into the search bar and right-click on the entry from the search results. Then click on ‘Open file location.’
  2. When the location opens in File Explorer, click on the path in the address bar and copy it.
  3. Now, go back to the Start menu’s search bar and type ‘Windows Firewall.’ Click on Windows Defender Firewall from the search results.
  4. On the left-hand side of the Windows Defender Firewall page, click on the ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall’ link.
  5. Click the Change Settings button.
  6. Click the ‘Allow another app’ button.
  7. In the ‘Add an app’ box that opens, click the Browse button on the right-hand side of the ‘Path’ field.
  8. When the Browse window opens, click in the address bar and paste the Valorant path you copied in Step 2 above. Then press Enter on your keyboard.
  9. Once the items in the directory are displayed, select exe and click the Open button.
  10. The RiotClientServices.exe path will now be added in the ‘Path’ field of the ‘Add an app’ box.
  11. Click the Add button to open the ‘Allowed apps’ window.
  12. Find Riot Client in the ‘Allowed apps and features’ list. Mark all of its associated checkboxes, including Domain, Private, and Public. Then click the OK button.
  13. Now, you have to add exe to Windows Firewall’s exclusion list. Click the ‘Allow another app’ button, as shown in Step 6 above. Then click the ‘Browse’ button beside the ‘Path’ field in the ‘Add an app’ box.
  14. Click in the address bar and paste the Valorant path you copied in Step 2. Then press Enter on your keyboard. Once done, click on Riot Games in the address bar.
  15. Now, open the Valorant folder. Then open the ‘Live’ folder found within the Valorant folder. There you will find the VALORANT.exe file. Select the executable and click the ‘Open’ button. Once you do that, the path will appear in the Path field of the ‘Add an app’ box.
  16. Click the Add button.
  17. Find Valorant in the ‘Allowed apps and features’ list. Make sure that you mark all the checkboxes for it so that it is enabled on Domain, Private, and Public networks. Then click the OK button.
  18. Repeat Step 13 to Step 17 for VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe. When you get to the ‘Live’ folder in Step 15, open the ShooterGame folder followed by the Binaries folder and Win64. Then select VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe and click the ‘Open’ button.
  19. Restart your computer afterward.

Once you complete the procedure above, the Windows Defender Firewall will no longer block RiotClientServices.exe, Valorant.exe, and VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe. These three files are essential for your game to run.

Relaunch Valorant and try starting a game. Move on to the next fix if the Van 6 error code still appears.

Fix 3: Change the Vanguard Service’s Startup Type to Automatic

The error code Van 6 more often than not occurs due to Riot Game’s anti-cheat software known as Vanguard. The software must be up and running for you to be able to play Valorant. If the service is not enabled or fails to start, this results in the Van 6 error. You can fix the problem easily. Follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the Windows Start menu by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. Then type ‘Msconfig’ into the search bar. Once the result is displayed, click on the matching entry to open the System Configuration experience.

Tip: Alternatively, you can open Msconfig via the Run dialog. Call up the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R keyboard combination. Then type ‘Msconfig’ into the text field and press Enter or click the OK button on the dialog.

  1. Switch to the Services tab and scroll through the list of services to locate ‘VGC.’ Mark its associated checkbox to enable the service. Then click Apply and click OK.
  2. System Configuration will display a prompt requesting you to restart your computer to apply the changes you made. Click the Restart button to proceed.

Launch Valorant after your PC reboots. Check if there is any difference. If the error still shows up, you will have to make sure that Vanguard can start automatically:

  1. Open the Start menu and type ‘Run’ into the search bar. Then click the option from the results. You can also open the Run dialog box quickly by using the following keyboard combination: Press R while holding the Windows key.
  2. Type ‘Services.msc’ into the text field of the Run dialog. Then hit Enter or click OK. Doing so opens the Services window, where you will find a list of all the available services on your computer.
  3. Scroll down the list to find VGC. Right-click on it and click Properties from the context menu.
  4. Click the Start button to start the service if it is not already running. Then expand the drop-down menu for ‘Startup type’ and select Automatic.
  5. Click the Apply button and click OK.
  6. Close the Services window and restart your computer.
  7. Launch Valorant and try initiating a gaming session. The error should no longer appear. But if it does, do not worry. There are other solutions still left for you to attempt. Keep going.

Fix 4: Set Priority for Valorant to Normal

Setting your game’s priority to ‘High’ boosts FPS and improves gaming performance. On the other hand, it might provoke error codes. Changing Valorant’s priority back to normal could help resolve the error code 6. Here is how to get it done:

  1. Call up the Power User menu by pressing the Windows key + X combination on your keyboard or by right-clicking on the Windows button in the lower-left corner of your screen.
  2. Click on Task Manager from the list of options.
  3. Locate Valorant in the Processes tab. Right-click on it and click on ‘Go to details’ from the context menu.
  4. Right-click on Valorant.exe in the Details tab. Then select ‘Set Priority’ and click ‘Normal.’
  5. Try starting your game and see if it now plays.

Fix 5: Switch to Google’s DNS Server

A slow internet connection could be why you cannot get past the Valorant error code Van 6. A slow connection can result from a poorly configured or inadequate DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP). It may serve you well to switch to Google DNS. Follow the steps below to make the switch:

  1. Open the Control Panel. To do this, simply call up the Run dialog: On your keyboard, press and hold the Windows key and then press R. Then type ‘Control Panel’ into the text field and press Enter on your keyboard or click the OK button on the dialog.
  2. In the top-right corner of the Control Panel window, click the View by drop-down button and select Category.
  3. Locate Network and Internet in the list of options and click on it.
  4. Now click on Network and Sharing Center.
  5. Click the Change Adapter Settings option in the left pane.
  6. Right-click on the network you are currently connected to and then click on Properties from the context menu.
  7. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP /IPv4) in the ‘This connection uses the following items’ field. Then click the Properties button.
  8. Switch from ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ to ‘Use the following DNS server addresses.’ Doing so activates the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields.
  9. Type 8.8.8 into the Preferred DNS server field and type 8.8.4.4 into the Alternate DNS server field.
  10. Tick the checkbox for ‘Validate settings upon exit.’
  11. Click the OK button.
  12. Close the window and restart your computer.

Once you have completed the above procedure and changed your DNS settings, you will be using Google DNS. Try playing Valorant and see if the error is resolved.

Fix 6: Update Your Graphics Device Driver

It is always a good idea to get the latest software for your graphics device. Using the correct and up-to-date drivers is advisable for gamers. Whenever you run into issues with a new game, check and make sure that you are still up to date with your driver software.

Running a driver update involves getting the right executable file from the driver manufacturer’s official website – for example, Nvidia or AMD. Make sure that you download the software that matches your version of Windows.

Warning: It is never advisable to download your driver software from an unknown source. Installing unsigned drivers can cause harm to your computer. And the driver signature enforcement feature in Windows will most likely reject such drivers.

If you would like to avoid the risk of downloading incorrect drivers and save yourself some valuable time, we recommend employing Auslogics Driver Updater to take care of things for you. Driver Updater keeps an eye on all drivers on your computer, helping you update them automatically. It downloads and installs the correct drivers developed by the original manufacturers.

Fix 7: Reinstall Riot’s Vanguard

In the unlikely event that you still encounter the error code Van 6, do not lose hope just yet. You might be able to make some headway by reinstalling Valorant’s anti-cheat program, Vanguard. Follow the procedure below:

  1. Log into your Windows administrator account if you are currently using a standard account.
  2. Type ‘Command Prompt’ into the Start menu’s search bar. Then right-click on the entry from the results list. Click ‘Run as an administrator.’

Tip: You can also open an elevated Command Prompt via the Power User menu. Simply right-click on the Start/Windows button or press the Windows + X keyboard combination. Then click on Command Prompt (Admin) from the list of options.

  1. When prompted by UAC (User Account Control), click the ‘Yes’ button to grant Windows Command Processor permission to make changes to your computer.
  2. Now, type ‘sc delete vgc’ (do not include the quotation marks) into the Command Prompt (Admin) window and hit Enter to run it.
  3. Once the line has been executed, type ‘sc delete vgk’ (do not include the quotation marks) and press Enter to run it.
  4. Close the CMD (Admin) window and restart your computer.
  5. After your PC reboots, press the Windows key + E combination to call up File Explorer.
  6. Go to Local Disk (C 🙂 and open the Program Files folder.
  7. Locate the Riot Vanguard folder and right-click on it. Then click Delete from the context menu.
  8. To ensure that the Riot Vanguard folder is deleted, go to the Recycle Bin on your desktop and empty it. Simply right-click on the Recycle Bin icon and click on Empty Recycle Bin. But first of all, check whether the Recycle Bin contains any useful files that you might want to use later.
  9. Right-click the Valorant icon on your desktop and click on Run as Administrator from the context menu. When the app launches, it will automatically reinstall Riot Vanguard. Wait for the process to complete. It might take several minutes.
  10. Click Play.
  11. The program will present the ‘Vanguard not initialized’ message, suggesting that you restart your computer. Click Quit and restart your computer.
  12. Relaunch Valorant and see if the error Van 6 has been resolved.

If the problem still exists, try reinstalling Valorant. There might have been a problem during the initial download and installation process. So head to the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I combination on your keyboard and click the Apps section.

Switch to Apps & features in the left pane. Then scroll through the list of apps in the right pane to locate Valorant. Select the app and click Uninstall. Once Valorant is uninstalled, visit playvalorant.com to reinstall it.

After you have tried all the solutions in this guide, the error code Van 6 should be no more. But if it is still present, keep in mind that it might go away if you close the game and wait it out for a couple of hours.

In the meantime, you can create a ticket on the Valorant Support website at support-valorant.riotgames.com, letting the developers know about the problem you are facing. They might get back to you with some helpful tips.

If you found this guide useful or you have questions, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments section below.